5 Things You May Not Have Known About Alan Thicke

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The Canadian-born was best known for his role in 'Growing Pains'

Alan Thicke passed away Tuesday while playing hockey with his 19year-old son, Carter Thicke. Here are five things you may not have known about the iconic Canadian.

1. He Went to the University of Western Ontario

He was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario and graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a bachelor of arts. He started his career in 1969 as a regular on the variety show It’s Our Stuff.

2. He’s Best Known for his Role as Jason Seaver on Growing Pains

Before he landed the role of Jason Seaver, he was hosting a syndicated talk-show called Thicke of the Night. It lasted only nine months. He credits Growing Pains for saving his career. He told the UWO Alumni Gazette, “I was so happy to recover from that career suicide with a sitcom. I will always be happy for that.”

3. He Composed Theme Songs for Several Classic TV Shows

Aside from acting, Alan Thicke was also a very accomplished songwriter. He composed the iconic theme songs for several classic shows like Diff’rent Strokes, the original theme to Wheel of Fortune, The Facts of Life, and Celebrity Sweepstakes.

4. He Was a Huge Hockey Fan

Alan Thicke used his celebrity to promote the Canadian game for U.S. fans. He also appeared in many charity games and events (Including Hockey Night in Simcoe County). He once had his nose broken by Gordie Howe in a celebrity hockey game. He later lost five teeth and required 30 stitches after getting hit in the face by a flying puck while playing hockey with actor Michael Vartan.

5. His Final Appearance was on Fuller House

He had a few notable cameo roles including a seven-episode stint on The Bold and the Beautiful. He played himself in five episodes of How I met Your Mother, and most recently, Netflix’s Fuller House, which premiered December 9th.